Ann Sheehan, Kirkhof College of Nursing assistant dean for practice, hustled to Lansing recently when senators were preparing to vote on a bill that would properly define the role of a nurse practitioner in Michigan.

As a nurse practitioner and president-elect of the Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners, Sheehan has worked with other nursing leaders on this bill for several years.

The Senate passed the bill, 20-18, on November 13, sending it to the House for consideration.

Sheehan said passage of the bill would insert a definition of a nurse practitioner into the state’s public health code. Because there is no formal definition, Sheehan said it limits nurse practitioners who want to start their own business.

The bill would also authorize nurse practitioners to practice to the full extent of their education and board certification credentials.